The "artificial cell" does not only know how to reproduce
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed an "artificial cell". The only thing that a device the size of a postage stamp lacks to get the status of an artificially created living organism is the ability to reproduce. This biochip already knows how to synthesize its own genes and express them – to produce proteins encoded in them. The authors believe that such artificial cells can be used for the rapid and low-cost production of "designer" proteins that do not exist in nature, as well as for testing the individual response of patients to certain drugs.
At first, the researchers learned how to produce individual chips for gene synthesis and protein expression. The artificial cell that appeared as a result of the combination of these two technologies resembles a computer chip consisting of layers of rubber forming a dense structure permeated with a system of tiny ducts and reservoirs. According to Dr. David Kong, this device allows you to construct completely artificial genes in small volumes (tens of nanoliters) and express them in order to obtain a functional protein.
One part of the device synthesizes genes using enzymes that combine chains that are part of a mixture of short DNA fragments. Ready-made genes are repeatedly copied due to a cycle of heating and cooling and the addition of enzymes to the system that carry out the necessary reactions.
Several tiny pumps mix ready-made genes with enzymes and cell extracts containing the components necessary for protein synthesis.
First, the enzyme complex converts the DNA of genes into RNA, which is mixed with extracts of bacterial cells containing amino acids and ribosomes – cellular structures that "read" the RNA sequence and, in accordance with the information contained in them, assemble amino acids into protein molecules.
With the help of an artificial cell, the authors synthesized a fluorescent jellyfish protein, the registration of the glow of which served as a visual proof of the cyborg's operability.
Currently, scientists are working on creating larger devices consisting of thousands of reaction tanks and allowing the simultaneous synthesis of many different proteins.
The authors hope that in the future such devices will increase the effectiveness of antitumor therapy. Specialists will be able to upload the patient's genetic information into them, program the task and check the possible effect of various drugs on a specific tumor.
Portal "Eternal youth" www.vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of NewScientist
03.04.2008